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Salud assures fair officiating in PBA finals

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 04/22/2012 7:39 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Chito Salud has assured the teams, coaches and the fans that officiating in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals will be “fair and impartial.”

The B-Meg Llamados and the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters will bring their best-of-seven finals series on Monday.

In PBA.ph, Salud assured the teams and coaches that “the referees will call it down the line, fair, impartial and in accordance with the parameters we have explained to the teams.”

“Let me make it clear that officiating is a non-issue, except for others who make it an issue instead of focusing on coaching,” Salud added.

He warned the coaches of both teams that “histrionics and theatrics on and off the court is a waste of time and energy.”

“Focus on the game because I will assure both teams here, both coaches here, players and the fans that our referees will call it fair.”

Salud once again warned that while tough plays are allowed, rough plays in the finals will not be tolerated.

“Physical plays will be allowed to the limits explained to the team. My advice to those who want to try and test the limit, do it in your own peril,” Salud said.

During the semi-finals series, Salud warned teams that he was “watching closely” after Talk 'N Text head coach Chot Reyes complained about the physical play of their opponents, the Barako Bull Energy.

“Tough play is allowed but not rough play. By this time, particularly in the playoffs, players and coaches should know how to deal with it mentally,” Salud said at the time.

“Certainly, hooliganism and cheap shots have no place in the league,” he added.